Bangladesh will look for their first win in the 2011 ICC World Cup when they take on Ireland in their second game of the tournament at the Sher E Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on Friday, February 25. Bangladesh were soundly beaten by India in their first game, which was also the first game of the tournament. This is Ireland’s first game of the tournament.
Bangladesh would want to put that game against India behind them and would want to win this game to kick start the campaign. Whatever was said ahead of the game, India were always going to be the favorites to win that game. But it is games like this one that Bangladesh would be focusing on and have to win at any cost to go through to the quarterfinals.
Bangladesh were given a couple of injury scares earlier today when Shafiul Islam had a bad fall and Imrul Kayes was hit on his fore arm while batting. However, both should be alright for the game. Kayes looked aggressive against India and would want to give his team a similar start in this game as well.
Ireland would approach this game in a very positive mindset. They have already beaten Bangladesh twice in major tournaments, the 2007 World Cup and the 2009 T20 Championship. They are inspired and looked good in their warm up games as well.
However, their real difficulty would be playing against the left arm spinners in turning conditions. Abdur Razzaq and Shakib Al Hasan both bowled pretty well against India, but were unfortunate to have bowled to a revenge seeking Virendar Sehwag and the in form Virat Kohli. However, they will be more than a handful against other sides, especially under the lights on a slow Mirpur wicket.
The teams look even, but Bangladesh have the slight edge considering the home factor and the slowness of the pitch and their spin attack.